Katelyn Chang (12), Editor-in-Chief
Katelyn Chang is currently a senior in her final year at Mills and is the Editor-in-Chief of The Thunderbolt. Writing has always been a passion and hobby of Katelyn’s, so being able to work on the The Thunderbolt has been a rewarding experience. This year she’s excited to lead the class back into a semblance of normalcy, publishing both hybrid and physical newspapers. Outside of the class, she loves reading novels and spending time with her friends and loved ones. She also loves movies and television, her favorites being Grey’s Anatomy, Jane the Virgin, and The Good Wife. Aside from her hobbies, Katelyn’s true goal is to make the community around herself a better place for youth, adults, and everyone alike. With the rest of The Thunderbolt team, she’s sure that together, they can turn work towards turning her goal into a reality
Magdalene Ko (12), Editor-in-Chief
Magdalene Ko is in her third and final year of Journalism as co-Editor-in-Chief. After joining journalism in Sophomore year, her passion for writing and researching information continues to grow. Now that she’s co-chief, she’s excited to carry on the legacy of those before her and work with a new class. She hopes to inspire others, instilling in them the same love she has for the newspaper. In her free time, Magdalene likes to binge Youtube videos or read her time away. Her favorite genres are murder mysteries and fantasy, but she’ll read anything she can get her hands on. This year, she plans to just enjoy her time with her friends and family and focus on her schoolwork. She’s eager to see what this coming year brings, especially for The Thunderbolt.
Katelyn Lam (12), Editor-in-Chief
Katelyn is in her 3rd year of journalism as co-Editor-in-Chief and she’s excited to see how different everything will be in person. She has held an interest in writing since middle school and finds it fun to see how the newspaper comes together. From the writing of articles to the final publication, being part of the process is something she holds an interest in and she can’t wait to collaborate with other writers to create something amazing. She’s excited to improve her writing skills and learn different outlets of media that aren’t taught in a standard classroom setting. She enjoys reading as a hobby and anything with action and fantasy tends to catch her attention. Some of her favorites include Mask of Shadows and Pride and Prejudice. An exciting mix of mystery and excitement.
Maxwell Zaninovich (11), News Editor
Max is in his third year of Journalism acting as the News Editor. Last year as a staff writer Max wrote all varieties of articles ranging from news to sports and discovered his passion for writing. When Max is not working hard at school he enjoys playing video games with his friends or watching whatever live sport is on. Max is a very active person and his favorite activity is playing basketball. Max is also an avid reader and it is rare to find him without a book in his face. His favorite book changes every day but his current favorite is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. Max is excited to take be an editor for the Thunderbolt and hopes to create a great experience for all of the staff writers.
Joshua Choe (11), Features Editor
Joshua Choe, or Josh, is a Junior, entering his third year working as the editor for Features in the Thunderbolt. Josh enjoys going on walks with his dog, listening to music, and going to the gym. Though he does not know what is in store for him in the future, he works for an opportunity and the ability to recognize and grab it.
Chloe Ho (11), Center Spread Editor
Chloe Ho (11) is in her junior year and entering Journalism as Center Spread Editor. She has always held a passion for writing and is eager to contribute to The Thunderbolt, grow her set of skills, and get to know her peers. When she’s not studying or watching cat videos, Chloe can be found busy with personal projects, writing stories, or drawing. She enjoys Sanrio, cats, and all things cute. Her current goal is to pursue psychology after high school. She’s happy to be here this year and looks forward to what this year will bring!
Michaela Gonzalez (11), Opinions Editor
Michaela Gonzalez (11) is in 11th grade, and the Opinions editor for the Mills student newspaper, The ThunderBolt. She loves reading for the alternate perspectives it gives that allows her to widen her horizons. Her favorite pieces include Orlando by Virgina Woolf, The Idiot by Elif Bautman, and The Selected and Poetical Works of Audre Lorde. When she’s not reading, she is dancing ballet, jazz, tap, and contemporary at West Coast Dance Conservatory. She has had a love for dance since she was five years old. Apart from literature and dance, she deeply appreciates every kind of art, from film, painting, music, and fashion. When she wants to play some tunes, Michaela is pretty open to any type of music, from 70s classic rock to Spanish bolero music. Her favorite artists range from David Bowie, Her’s, Amy Whinehouse and Kali Uchis. Michaela also tries her best to stand and advocate for social justice and be an ally for marginalized groups. With the help of The Thunderbolt she hopes to voice her and other’s opinions and make some real change.
Hanson Han (12), Sports Editor
Hanson Han (12) is a senior and in his second year of Journalism as a Sports Editor. He decided to pursue a second year of Journalism after discovering his passion for writing about his favorite subject: sports. He also has a passion for making food, running, and playing ping pong. His favorite foods to make include steak, lamb chops, chicken wings, sashimi, garlic fries, sautéed mushrooms, grilled corn, creamed spinach, and sandwiches. He runs for Mills Cross Country and throws discus for Mills Track & Field. He also loves to play with his dogs. He has a German-King Shepherd mix named Bailey (5) and a Havanese-Maltese mix named Puffy (8). He also has a vivid passion for ping pong. He competes in USATT leagues every Sunday, and firmly believes that he is the best ping pong player at Mills.
Phoebe Piserchio (10), Entertainment Editor
Phoebe Piserchio (10) is in her second year of Journalism, currently the Entertainment Editor. Being someone with a keen interest in writing and journalism, she is excited to get the opportunity to express her opinions, thoughts, and other news with the Thunderbolt again. She spends a lot of her time focusing on school and grades, as a successful future is her main goal; she hopes to pursue a career in public relations or journalism. However, she makes sure to keep free time for (re)watching her favorite movies and shows, which include the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Little Women, The Dark Knight, Sherlock, Daredevil, Rick and Morty, and The Queen’s Gambit. To relax and unwind, she also enjoys reading with her welsh corgi, Bella; some of her favorite books are Little Women, Death on the Nile, and The Hobbit. As a sophomore, she is thrilled to see how her second year unfolds and is hoping there are more in journalism to come.
Noor Abdullah (11), Staff Writer
Noor Abdullah (11) is a junior and a first year staff writer for Mills High School’s newspaper, The Thunderbolt. She is excited to be on the journalism team as she has had a love for current events since she was little and is looking forward to being able to share these stories herself. Noor has a passion for reading and is always on the lookout for a new book to read; in the meantime she rereads what she calls “ classics”, Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass. She is looking forward to collaborating with students who have similar interests as her and to learn from experienced editors and the brilliant Mr.Hensley while producing an informational and entertaining way for Mills students to read and share about what’s going on around them.
Riley Alcantara (12), Staff Writer
Riley Alcantara (12) is senior here at Mills in his first year of writing the Thunderbolt. He shares an enjoyment for writing with his fellow peers in class and thinks journalism would help perfect his writing. He is excited to interview different people around campus and hear about all the interesting events and activities associated with Mills. Some of his favorite activities are hanging out with friends, archery, surfing, and exploring nature like environments. His favorite artists are Bryson Tiller, SZA, H.E.R., and Jacquees. He just hopes to end his high school career with a bang.
Abigail Chai (10), Staff Writer
Abigail Chai (10) is in her first year of journalism and is currently a staff writer. She’s always enjoyed writing but discovered a newfound passion for it in the eighth grade, and ever since then her love for it has grown. She’s excited to report on current events in the community and to witness firsthand how a newspaper is created. She is also hopeful that through journalism she can expand her writing skills which she can utilize in other classes/future careers. Outside of school, Abigail enjoys swimming, reading, and watching TV. She often listens to music, the majority of time listening to Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, or Paramore.While a bit nervous, Abigail is ecstatic for the 2022-2023 school year and what it may bring.
Elaine Chan (10), Staff Writer
Elaine Chan (10) is going into her first year on the Journalism team. Despite not joining in her freshman year, she is hoping to make the most of her years in the class. As a sophomore, she is set on the intent on gaining more knowledge on news, writing, and expanding her writing abilities. Journalism has always sparked curiosity for her, as she loves reading and writing. Some of her favorite books include Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, All Our Broken Pieces by L.D. Crichton, and the Pillow Thoughts Series by Courtney Peppernell. Writing holds a special place in her heart, allowing her to express her emotions, and gain a new outlook on life through words. Outside of school, she enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and experimenting with fashion. With it being her first year, Elaine is excited to take part in crafting an outlet for students to express themselves through The Thunderbolt.
Kyle (12) is in his first year of journalism as a staff writer. He joined journalism to further improve his writing skills and to also learn more about the process of publishing newspapers after completing the Christmas word search puzzle last year. After school he runs cross country, but he is also planning on running track and field in the spring. When not at school, he is either “studying”, playing video games, drawing or napping. He enjoys eating and loves to try new and different foods. Some of his favorite foods include prime rib, sashimi, orange chicken, pesto pasta, chicken wings, etc. He also loves to scroll on Tiktok or watch random Youtube videos to pass time when bored. He looks forward to the intriguing experience Mills Thunderbolt has set for him.
Rachel Cheng (12), Staff Writer
Rachel Cheng (12) is currently in her first year of Journalism. She has always been extremely interested in the process behind creating interesting news stories. Now, she is greatly enthusiastic to begin working as a staff writer for the Thunderbolt. Some of her favorite pastimes are drawing, playing tennis, and spending time with her dog, Cookie. Additionally, she likes venturing and doing urban hikes with her friends. As she progresses through her last year of high school, she is excited to improve her writing and learn about what journalism really means.
Eduardo Galindo (10), Staff Writer
Eduardo Galindo (10) is a new staff writer at The Thunderbolt. He is looking forward to learning how to write news and improving his skills. He is excited about the year to come and hopes for the best. He mostly spends time on his phone or he hangs out with his family. For fun he plays video games at home and hangs out with his dog.
Daniel Gao (12) is a Senior entering into Journalism as a staff writer. Although this is his first year in journalism, Daniel has a passion for writing and dreamed of being part of the school newspaper. He hopes to learn something new and useful skills while writing for The Thunderbolt this school year. In his free time he likes playing video games, table tennis, biking, and hiking with his family. Daniel also runs an Investment club at school every Friday during lunch at Ms. Alberta’s room and believes in spreading financial literacy. Outside of school, Daniel participates in Track and Field and he’s especially fast in the 100m dash. With joining the school newspaper team, he hopes that this year will be a very memorable experience fulfilling his dreams.
Michael Lin (12), Staff Writer
Michael Lin (12) is currently a staff writer for the Mills Thunderbolt Newspaper. As a child, he had a passion for creative writing, and although that passion dwindled, his eagerness to offer his best is absolute. He enjoys reading graphic novels, drawing, and browsing the ocean of content that is Youtube. In his free time he would do all of the following, or he would lay on his bed and drown himself in the abysmal pit of thought that is imagination and procrastination. Some of his favorite shows are: “The Boys”, “Lucifer”, the “Breaking Bad” universe including its spinoff and movie, and “The Office”. In order to complete his final years in high school as pleasantly as possible, Michael is excited to be a part of the Mills Thunderbolt.
Erika Kita (12) is a Senior at Mills and is a staff writer for journalism this year. She is eager to take pictures for the Thunderbolt as a photographer as well as contributing in writing pieces as a staff writer. Besides being a part of Journalism, she is a percussionist in Symphonic band and a drummer in Jazz band at Mills. Erika is also a fan of musical theater and has been a part of the musical productions at Mills such as Legally Blonde, The Addams Family, and Footloose, in the pit orchestra. Her other hobbies include drawing traditionally and digitally, listening to music, and playing tennis. She hopes she can incorporate her digital art skills into the newspaper and to improve her writing throughout the year.
Samuel Lam (12) is a Senior and in his first year of Journalism as a Staff Writer. He hopes to improve his writing skills through Journalism and learn through different sources of media, opportunities that aren’t usually available in a typical English Classroom. He also hopes to bring these skills into college and into any future career he may do.. He is an avid runner and is captain of the Mills Cross Country and Track & Field teams. Outside of school, he loves to read, cook, and talk with friends. Among his favorite books are Dune and the Inheritance Cycle.
Nicole Lee (12) is currently a Senior at Mills and is in her very first year of Journalism as a staff writer. Although she had not decided to join the class her previous years, Nicole is still fascinated as to how the Thunderbolt is created and is excited to now be able to contribute to its process. She is glad she can place her writing and photography skills into something that helps the community stay informed and entertained. Outside of class, Nicole is either lounging around with her friends and family or is playing volleyball, whether it’s on a team or coaching. As Nicole’s final year of high school draws closer to an end, she hopes she can become a better writer and gain more knowledge as to what being a journalist is all about.
Alysha Louis (12), Staff Writer
Alysha Louis (12) is doing her first year as a staff writer for the Mills newspaper: The ThunderBolt. She decided to join journalism this year because she wants to experience an environment with lots of teamwork and grow her skills as a writer. She looks forward to having articles to look back on later on in life. She has been a Mills cheerleader for four years, and this year she’s one of the captains. In her freetime she likes to read, write, and binge-watch TV shows. Some of her favorite shows are the O.C., Vampire Diaries, and Designated Survivor. Alysha’s favorite vacation places are Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Maui, Hawaii. She also hopes to visit Italy, Greece, and Rome. This summer, after she graduates, she looks forward to learning more skills as a journalist and becoming a better writer.
Amelia Naughten (9), Staff Writer
Amelia Naughten (9) is in her freshman year at Mills and is entering Journalism as a staff writer. She hopes to improve the versatility of her writing skills and awareness about current events in her local community through reporting for The Thunderbolt. Outside of school, Amelia dances ballet at a local studio and reads novels from a variety of genres on her never-ending bucket list of books to read. Her favorite novels include the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo and Educated by Tara Westover due to their riveting ideas/characters. Alongside this, she is an avid Hamilton (the musical) fan, and can watch the recording and listen to the soundtrack all day. She is excited to collaborate with and learn from the many talented members of the Journalism team and to help produce editions of The Thunderbolt this school year.
Bruce Nie (12) is a senior in his first year of working on The Thunderbolt. He’s excited to express his insatiable curiosity and imagination through fun and creative articles, while learning to be a more complete writer along the way. Outside of journalism, you can most likely find him at Volleyball Club, WOW Christian Club, or just napping on the lunch tables. While it is his first year writing for journalism, Bruce hopes to leave a lasting impact on The Thunderbolt.
Brendan Phimsoutham (12), Staff Writer
Brendan Phimsoutham (12) is a Senior at Mills High School who is attending his second and last year as a Staff Writer in Journalism. Brendan’s goals for this year are similar to last year’s, only this time he remains slightly less ambitious due to Senioritis. In his free time, Brendan enjoys recreational fishing, animating, and creative writing. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his mom, dad, sister, and two dogs. Despite being a Senior, he is unsure of what lies ahead in his college years.
Jessica Poon (10), Staff Writer
Jessica Poon (10) is a sophmore and entering Journalism for her first year as a staff writer for the newspaper, The Thunderbolt. She is looking forward to writing articles on topics she is passionate about, and she hopes to improve her writing and reading skills through it. Her favorite music artists include takayan, Day6, and Conan Gray. In her free time she enjoys watching music videos and covers, and also enjoys hanging out with friends. She is excited to work with other writers and share her ideas for her first year in Journalism.
Jamie Wong (12) is in her first year of Journalism. She has always enjoyed reading The Thunderbolt but had never thought of joining the newspaper until this year. Now, as a staff writer, she is excited to further develop her writing skills and learn about the newspaper’s inner workings. In her free time, she likes sleeping, listening to music, reading, and playing the piano. If you go to Baskin Robbins, she highly recommends the Triple Mango flavor. Jamie hopes to make the most of her last year of high school and is looking forward to having lots of fun writing for The Thunderbolt.
Julia Xia (10) is a sophomore in her second year of journalism, this year she remains a staff writer for the newspaper. She decided to join the Thunderbolt in 2021 because she had always been interested in writing. She stayed in journalism because the classroom environment was very welcoming and she learned a lot in the class. When she was a kid she read many books like “A Wrinkle in Time” and all the books in the book series “The Land of Stories”, reading these books inspired her to take up writing as a hobby. Now that Julia is a writer in the newspaper she will be able to express her opinions and practice her writing. On weekends she usually spends her time on her computer watching her current favorite TV shows Community and Criminal Minds. Aside from writing and TV she enjoys drawing, learning new cooking recipes and hanging out with her friends. She is excited for another year of writing articles for the Thunderbolt.